James Ray Markham

James Ray Markham, 66, of Pittsboro, NC, died Friday, November 9th, 2012, at UNC Hospital.
A native of Chatham County, James was born to the late Lawrence Ray Markham and Lina Ruth Horton. James grew up farming but later in his life became an iron worker. After retirement James began working on lawnmowers and tinkering with most anything metal .He also had a passion for building grills. Known to many as “Buddy-Row”, he was a huge fan of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and “Junior”. One of his favorite past-times was playing scratch-off lottery tickets.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sister Sharon King and his grandson, Lukas Bolejack. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, the former Donna E. Williams; son, Kent Markham & his wife Teresa, of Pittsboro; daughters, Patricia Goodwin and her husband, Jeff, of Apex, NC, Jaime Riddle and her husband, Rickey, of Pittsboro, & Kelly Bolejack, & her husband Chad, also of Pittsboro; a brother, Randy Markham, of Apex; a sister, Debbie Sanders, of Pittsboro; & nine grandchildren.
A service to honor the life and memory of James will be held at 2:00PM, Tuesday, November 13th, 2012, at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service in Pittsboro, NC. The Rev. Ray Gooch will be officiating. A reception will follow. Burial will be private.

Condolence Messages

Donna- I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Some of my earliest memories are of the friendship our families shared. Even though it has been many years, I reflect upon those memories fondly. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. With much love to you and your family- DeeDee Chambers Howard Coon

Donna, so sorry for the loss you and your wonderful children have suffered. He is at peace now and can rest easy. This last year has been trying for all of you. May God love and bless you all and help you find comfort in your memories.

Donna and Family,
Sugar Ray was definitely one of a kind…a heart of gold full of love for his family and friends…our memories of him are numerous and as he visited us this summer, we recalled some of the best ones. Thank you Kent for driving your Dad to visit! We will miss him! May God’s love comfort each of you in a special way! Our thoughts and prayers will be with you!

Dear Family,
My sympathy for your loss. I can
remember when James Ray was six years old and driving a big tractor. He lived just down the road from us. May his memory be yours to cherish forever.
Cordially,
Alma Council

I am so sorry to hear of this I spoke with him like a few months ago, I did not know he was sick,He will be greatly missed,I am so sorry for your lost,praying for the family,If I can do anything please let me know,

Donna and family, I am so sorry for your loss. What a great reminder of the stregnth of a family as all of you rallyed so hard and long to take care of him. He had to know the love that came from that dedication. As time moves forward prayers are with you as you turn the loss into memories.
Donna it is a geat honor to get to know you and see what a great person you are, please know Steve and I are here if you need anything. Love, Theresa and Steve

I met James Ray when I was 18 years old and his children were all very young. My first impression of James Ray and Donna was how welcoming, warm and fun they were. My second impression was how mature, and sweet Patty was for a girl of 13. I was taken aback by how smart and talkative Jaime was for a four-year-old. Kent and Kelly were just sweet babies. I have loved this family and have been so happy to have them in my life. I didn’t spend much time with James, Donna and the rest of the family in the past ten years or so, but they have always, always been in my heart and always will be. Love you always ~ Carolyn